A Frog in the Fjord - by Lorelou Desjardins (Paperback)

About the Book

An insightful and humorous account of the author's first year in Norway as a foreigner. From Easter to summer holidays and Christmas, it dives deeply into Norwegian culture, language and people.

Book Synopsis

Lorelou is French, has lived in 7 different countries, and dreams of living on a tropical beach. She suddenly gets a job offer in Oslo and decides to move to Norway despite her limited knowledge of the country and its customs. Her friends think she has lost her mind. "Do you know what Norwegians do to have fun? They go on skiing trips in the middle of the night!". During one year she will try to understand Norwegians, learn their language and adopt their traditions. She will try adapting to Norwegian working culture from Norwegian meeting habits at work to the famous Julebord or Christmas party.

From Easter holidays at the cabin, to 17th of May celebrations with bunad, and adapting to making things koselig and eating traditional Norwegian food like sheep heads from Voss (smalahove), Lorelou sails through this journey with candor, trying to make Norwegian friends, dating a Scandinavian and cycling all over the country to discover this wonderful land. She falls slowly in love with this country nothing destined her to love. "A Frog in the Fjord" was a national bestseller in Norway in 2017 and is now available in English, edited for an international audience.

Review Quotes

"It's one of the deepest & funniest presentations of Norway, its people and culture. Lorelou does it gently and sophisticated at the same time as preparing any of her French dishes. If you want to learn / practice your Norwegian and get to know Norway at the same time, get this book. The writing style is witty with a great dose of self irony both at herself and the people. The author covers all the key ingredients of Norwegian society and equips you both with vocabulary and topics for your next conversation with Norwegians at work/party /17th of May. This is a great gift to everyone trying to ingrate into this Viking society and appreciate the Norwegian way of making things, loving, and living." (Gedi Siuskus)

"A very entertaining read, I laughed out loud a few times and shared snapshots with my friends. Comical indeed and the author does warn you head on that she writes from her perspective as an outsider to the Norwegian culture. Many of her observations are common knowledge to anyone who spent over a week in Norway. I love that she was active in exploring the country because I am inspired to do more "Norwegian" things now. There are a few spots she mentioned I'd like to see. It was also lovely to hear what her friends had to say about their experiences as well." (Hind Al-Qahtani)